Hip Hop News

It’s not uncommon for artists to put in requests when they’re booked for various events. Whether it’s a concert or a photoshoot, an artist can ask venues and publications for special services. Over the years, there has been an increase in the desire for Black artists to use Black creatives for photoshoots, including Beyoncé who wanted Tyler Mitchell to capture her Voguecover and feature back in 2018.

According to SZA, she, too, wanted a similar shoot with a publication but wasn’t given the same freedom to use a Black photographer.

Theo Wargo / Staff / Getty Images

The Top Dawg Entertainment singer took to her Twitter to share a recent experience. “I requested a black photographer for a cover n the mag told me no lol its 2021,” SZA tweeted. “And almost Juneteenth . Respectfully I can’t do it [pleading face emoji][shrug emoji].” Juneteeth refers to “June 19,” an unofficial holiday commemorating the day that enslaved Black people in Texas learned of their freedom and that slavery had been outlawed two years prior.

One of SZA’s fans wanted her to name the publication, but the singer didn’t want to go that route. “Das not my vibe but there’s TOO many elite black creatives rn to not allow it.” That hasn’t stopped fans from guessing, but it looks as if SZA will remain tight-lipped. She did, however, give praise to the outlets that have been flexible.

“S/o @RollingStone @Cosmopolitan and @wonderlandmag btw for all using black photogs in our recent covers [purprle heart emoji] gotta celebrate when it’s RIGHT too ! [praying hands emoji][yellow heart emoji].” Soon, Black photographers began storming her comments. 

Check out the tweets below.

By now, you’ve probably seen the viral clip of Quality Control rapper Metro Marrs getting arrested at his high school graduation. The budding rapper was seen in handcuffs with police escorts after throwing upwards of $10K after receiving his diploma. It’s a triumphant moment for any high school student but for a Quality Control signee, it seemed only appropriate that he made it rain in the auditorium since he is yet of age to make it rain with Migos at Magic City.

His manager told TheShadeRoom that the rapper was stopped for disorderly conduct and trying to start a riot. Metro explained that he hasn’t seen his classmates all year because of the pandemic and this was his final gesture to give back to his school. He explained that some of his classmates might not even receive a monetary gift for graduation. In a sense, it was pretty much a charitable donation to an educational institute.

“I was creating a moment that would be memorable,” he said, adding that he needed to tape the cash to his body in order to pull the maneuver. He also waited until everyone else had their moment before deciding to make it rain. “I had to do that for the last time. Everybody was lit! We graduating high school!”

Apparently, it was only the police that was upset over the gesture since other parents and students were demanding that the police let him go.

Ultimately, the rapper was detained for a few hours before being released. It’s unclear if he faces charges. 

[Via]

They’ve engaged in heated exchanges regarding their brief 2003 romance over the years, but it seems that Vivica Fox still has a soft spot for 50 Cent. It shocked the entertainment world to see the actress take comfort in the arms of the New York rapper, but according to Vivica, the two were a good match.

While speaking with VladTV about her life and career, Vivica touched on that time with 50 Cent and detailed why their romance came to an abrupt end all those years ago.

Evan Agostini / Staff / Getty Images

“We met after he said the thing at the Soul Train Music Awards. ‘And I want to thank Vivica Fox for wearing that dress,'” the actress recalled. “I was shocked… I was just kinda like, wow. And then after that, his people got in touch with my people and next thing I know, we were on the phone and my birthday was coming up and he’s such a gentleman. He’s very generous. His—I know him as Curtis, always will, and the 50 Cent, those are his performing things and who he is as a man. So, I met Curtis.”

Vivica explained that for her birthday, Fif “filled my entire house with my favorite flowers.” It was a huge moment in history for 50 Cent at the time as his career was at one of its many peaks. The attention put pressure on the relationship and ultimately contributed to its downfall. “I was already Vivica Fox from Independence Day, this that and the third, and he now is becoming this huge mega Rap star who is crossing over with ‘In Da Club.’ I was used to fame and the main thing that killed the relationship is that we just went way too public way too fast.”

“The love that I had for him, and still to this day, will always—he was the love of my life,” said Vivica. “I will admit that without any reservations. He will always have a special place in my heart. But the reason that the relationship ended is because we went way too public, way too fast.” 

Check out Vivica Fox speaking about her romance with 50 Cent below.

Today marks one year since the tragic murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis that sent a rippling effect throughout the world. Protests took place across the globe, demanding real, systemic change in America that could prevent another senseless murder of a Black man by a police officer. 

Drew Angerer/Getty Images

The family of George Floyd, along with civil rights attorney Ben Crump, went to the White House today where they met with President Joe Biden. What’s more surprising is that Lil Baby accompanied them. The rapper was introduced as Dominique during the press conference where he stood in the background as members of George Floyd’s family spoke to the press. 

Ahead of meeting with the press, Lil Baby was spotted on his way to the White House with George Floyd’s family members, including his daughter Gianna, where he pushed for the George Floyd Police Act bill.

Philonise Floyd, the brother of George Floyd, said that he had a great meeting with Joe Biden to discuss the bill. “We’re just thankful for what’s going on and we just want the George Floyd Policing Act to be passed,” he said. “If you can make federal laws to protect the bird, which is the bald eagle, you can make federal laws to protect people of color.”

The George Floyd Police Act bill would help create a national registry of police misconduct, ban racial and religious profiling by police officers, and end qualified immunity for cops.